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Telecom Drone Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Emulation Engineer

Campbell, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

... drone, a satellite, or in the cloud at a datacenter! As a Emulation Engineer at Arteris, you will ... mobile, telecom, automotive, and consumer SoC designs. You will create designs in a powerful ...

... drone, a satellite, or in the cloud at a datacenter! As a Emulation Engineer at Arteris, you will ... mobile, telecom, automotive, and consumer SoC designs. You will create designs in a powerful ...

... drone, a satellite, or in the cloud at a datacenter! As a Emulation Engineer at Arteris, you will ... mobile, telecom, automotive, and consumer SoC designs. You will create designs in a powerful ...

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Telecom Drone information

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$17

$35

$61

How much do telecom drone jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for telecom drone in the United States is $35.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.12 and $43.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do drone operators get paid?

Drone operators in the telecommunications industry typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled operators with FAA Part 107 certification and experience working with telecom infrastructure can command higher salaries, especially for specialized or supervisory roles.

Can you get drone jobs with no experience?

Telecom drone jobs often require some technical skills and knowledge of drone operation, but entry-level positions may be available for those with no prior experience if they demonstrate a willingness to learn and obtain necessary certifications. Training programs and on-the-job instruction are common, and having basic understanding of safety protocols and equipment can improve chances of starting in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Telecom Drone Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Telecom Drone Operator, you need proficiency in drone piloting, understanding of telecom infrastructure, and typically a Remote Pilot Certificate or similar UAV licensing. Familiarity with drone control software, GPS mapping systems, and data collection tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for ensuring safe and precise operations. These competencies are critical for performing accurate inspections, maintaining compliance, and supporting reliable telecommunications services.

What is the 400 foot rule for drones?

For a telecom drone operator, the 400 foot rule refers to the FAA regulation that drones must stay at or below 400 feet above ground level during flight to avoid interfering with manned aircraft. This altitude limit is essential for safe operation and often requires the operator to maintain visual line of sight and obtain proper certifications. Adhering to this rule helps ensure safe and compliant drone missions in telecommunications and infrastructure inspections.

What are the main responsibilities of a Telecom Drone Operator in daily operations?

As a Telecom Drone Operator, your primary duties include conducting aerial inspections of telecom towers, capturing high-resolution imagery, and collecting data to assess equipment condition. You'll regularly plan and execute flight missions, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and airspace regulations. Collaboration with engineering and maintenance teams is common, as the data you gather helps inform maintenance schedules and network upgrades. The role requires attention to detail, technical proficiency with drone hardware and software, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a field team.

What is the difference between Telecom Drone vs Tower Technician?

AspectTelecom DroneTower Technician
Required CertificationsFAA drone pilot license, technical certificationsOSHA safety training, tower climbing certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote, aerial inspections, data collectionClimbing towers, on-site maintenance
Industry UsageSurveying, inspections, data gathering in telecomInstalling, repairing, maintaining telecom towers

Both Telecom Drones and Tower Technicians work in the telecom industry, but Telecom Drones focus on aerial inspections and data collection using unmanned aircraft, while Tower Technicians perform hands-on maintenance and repairs on physical towers. Certifications and safety protocols differ, with drones requiring FAA licenses and tower techs needing climbing safety certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in telecom infrastructure.

How much do FlyGuys pay?

FlyGuys drone operators, including those working in telecom inspections, typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and job complexity. Pay rates may also vary based on certifications, such as Part 107, and the specific employer or project requirements.

What are Telecom Drones?

Telecom drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with specialized technology to support telecommunications operations. They are commonly used for tasks such as inspecting cell towers, conducting site surveys, and deploying or maintaining wireless communication networks. By using drones, telecom companies can enhance safety, reduce operational costs, and quickly access hard-to-reach areas. These drones are often equipped with high-resolution cameras, sensors, and sometimes even small cellular equipment to facilitate their tasks.
More about Telecom Drone jobs
What cities are hiring for Telecom Drone jobs? Cities with the most Telecom Drone job openings:
What states have the most Telecom Drone jobs? States with the most job openings for Telecom Drone jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Telecom Drone jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Telecom Drone jobs are:
Infographic showing various Telecom Drone job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 58% In-person, and 42% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,618 per year, or $35.9 per hour.
Deputy Engineering Leader - Tysons, VA

Deputy Engineering Leader - Tysons, VA

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Leading complex technical discussions, projects, and programs.

  • Providing oversight, direction, and technical expertise to engineering teams on a project.

  • Preparing client-specific physical security technology solutions including credential technology, AI vision systems, drone and drone interdiction systems, access control, intrusion detection, video management systems, and complex integrations.


M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 357 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 9,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
We are seeking a Deputy Engineering Leader to join our Security and Electronic Systems (SES) business Unit. As part of (SES) Strategic Business Unit you will be part of a team that designs, engineers, integrates, operates and maintains electronic security services inclusive of intrusion detection, access control, biometric authentication, video surveillance, audio visual, it systems, perimeter defense and command and control systems for federal, local and commercial customers across high-growth markets.
Responsibilities
  • Leading complex technical discussions, projects, and/or programs.
  • Validating world class technical solutions on projects.
  • Ensuring engineering best practices are followed across multiple engineering and solution disciplines.
  • Managing technical risk on a project.
  • Providing oversight, direction, and technical expertise to engineering teams on a project.
  • Preparing client-specific physical security technology solutions including cutting edge credential technology, AI vision systems, drone and drone interdiction systems, access control, intrusion detection, video management systems, and complex integrations.
  • Driving the development and maintenance of project artifacts from the requirements capture stage through the launch of new technology.
  • Identifying, recommending, and implementing work process improvements.
  • Reviewing technical project details with project leadership.
  • Managing the integration of data from multiple systems and analyzing the data to draw insights on project technical solutions.

Qualifications
Education/Experience:
  • Minimum 5+ year's recent experience in the construction industry with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, 3+ year's recentexperience in the construction industry with a Master's Degree in Engineering.
  • Detailed, motivated, self-starter; must be able to work independently and lead in a team environment.
  • Strong engineering & administration experience with most of the following core platforms and services:
    • Access Control Systems such as CCURE 9000, Lenel OnGuard, Honeywell Prowatch, AMAG.
    • Video Management Systems such as Milestone XProtect, Genetec, Lenel Video management.
    • Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems such as Senstar, Southwest Microwave, SightLogix.
    • Other Electronic Security Systems such as Zenitel, HID, WIDS.
  • Familiarity with design/administration tools such as REVIT, Bluebeam, Autocad, ACC, Procore.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Windows Server, Windows 11 and general networking.
  • Microsoft Windows 11 Deployment and Administration.
  • Familiarity with Cyber security requirements.
  • Familiarity with inside plant and outside plant telecom requirements.
  • Strong Oral, Written and Presentation Skills with the ability and experience communicating directly with executive leadership.
  • Demonstrated background working with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Demonstrated time management and organization skills to meet deadlines and quality objectives.
  • Strong MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio Skills is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Design: background in design and engineering of mission critical facilities. Skill in calculations for electrical construction
  • Build: interest in the manufacture of modular builds for electrical construction
  • Delivery: serving as onsite liaison, overseeing installation, testing, & commission of electrical construction
  • PE License: willingness to obtain Professional Engineer license highly preferred
  • Software: Revit MEP, Navisworks, Bluebeam, MS Office, ETAP/SKM, AGI32, etc. highly preferred

What we offer:
  • A collaborative team inspired by the way engineering and innovation enhance customer outcomes, improve lives, and change the world for the better. We are driven by our core values of agility, expertise, and trust.
  • An opportunity to lead and build a business with the support of an industry-leading firm that has been in business for 75 years.
  • Investment in your skills and expertise through a combination of professional and technical training programs, including leadership training and tuition reimbursement.
  • Open and transparent communication with senior leadership as well as local office management.

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

Pay Range
USD $104,240.00 - USD $156,360.00 /Yr.

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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